Red Bull New York Managing Director Marc de Grandpre announced today that the team has relieved Mo Johnston of his head coaching duties effective immediately. Assistant coach Richie Williams will assume the head coaching duties on an interim basis until a new head coach is named.

"We are a results-driven company, and that's what today's decision is based on," said de Grandpre. "Having only two wins through 12 games is unacceptable for our organization and above all else, our fans."

In 12 games this season, Johnston was 2-3-7, leading New York to wins over Chivas USA (5/20) and Los Angeles (6/17). Johnston first became the head coach on an interim basis on October 4, 2005 after Bob Bradley was relieved of his duties. He led the side to a 2-0-1 record over the team's final three regular season games, helping New York earn a playoff berth. Johnston and his squad eventually lost to the first-seeded New England Revolution, 3-2, on aggregate. Prior to being named interim head coach, Johnston was an assistant coach under Bradley for three years.

"We do want to thank Mo for the time and effort that he gave to this club over the past four years," said de Grandpre. "We wish him all the best in his future endeavors. We know that in Richie Williams we have a very capable manager who can guide this club while we finalize our search for a full time replacement."

Williams, 36, was in his first season as an assistant coach with the Red Bulls after being appointed on January 23, 2006. A Middletown, NJ native, Williams played eight years in Major League Soccer, spending six (1996-2000, 2002) with D.C. United and two (2001, 2003) with New York. Williams was a member of D.C.'s MLS Cup championship squads in 1996, 1997 and 1999 and also earned 17 caps with the U.S. National Team. Before joining the Red Bulls, Williams spent the 2004 and 2005 seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, the University of Virginia, where he won two national titles as a player in 1989 and 1991.